Panasonic to release VIERA-compatible HD web camera for Skype

Back inJanuary, LG and Panasonic were the first companies to announce that they would build a Skype function into their future TVs, making it possible to video chat in HD quality without a computer. And today Panasonic in Japan unveiled the TY-CC10W [JP], a web camera that can be used to skype on some of the company’s VIERA TVs.

Panasonic says users just need to plug the camera into the USB 2.0 port of their web-enabled VIERA (which must have the latest firmware installed) and are then able to video chat in 1,280×720 (at 22fps) with their usual Skype account. The camera features a 1/4 CMOS sensor and four microphones. It’s sized at 210×43×76mm and weighs 200g.

Panasonic will start selling the TY-CC10W in Japan on June 11 (price: $190). The company hasn’t said anything yet regarding international sales plans.